THE UNWRITTEN LAWS OF BUSINESS

In today’s dynamic world of corporate/ business, one has to deliver performance; one has to have a deep understanding of the fundamental laws (Unwritten Laws) of business, which helps in chalking out and following a clear path to performance improvement.

Following is the scriptures (excerpts) taken from the book ‘THE UNWRITTEN LAWS OF BUSINESS’ written by W.J. King. These are significant principles which have stood the test of time. They are useful for anyone, working at any level, in any kind of organization, anywhere in the world.

IN RELATION TO WORK

1. However menial and trivial your early assignment may appear, give them your best efforts.

2. Demonstrate the ability to get things done.

3. Do not wait passively for anyone… go after them and keep relentlessly after them.

4. Confirm your instructions and the other person’s commitments in writing.

5. When sent out on a business trip of any kind, prepare for it,execute the business to completion, and follow up after your return.

6. Develop a “Let’s go see” attitude.

7. Avoid the very appearance of vacillating. (study the facts)

8. Don’t be timid… speak up… express yourself and promote your ideas.

9. Strive for conciseness and clarity in oral or written reports 10. Be extremely careful of the accuracy of your statements.

IN RELATION TO YOUR SUPERVISOR

1. Every manager must know what goes on in his or her domain.

2. Keep your supervisor informed of all significant developments.

3. Do not overlook the stead fast truth that your direct supervisor is your “boss”

4. Whatever your supervisor wants done takes top priority.

5. Whenever you are asked by your manager to do something. you are expected to do exactly that. 6. Do not be too anxious to defer to or embrace your manager’s instructions.

REGARDING RELATIONS WITH COLLEAGUES AND OUTSIDERS

1. Never invade the domain of any other department without theknowledge and consent of the manager in charge.

2. In all transactions be careful to “deal in” everyone who has a right to be in.

3. Cultivate the habit of seeking other peoples’ opinions and recommendations.

4. When you are dissatisfied with the service of another department, make your complaint to the individual most directly responsible for the function involved. 5. In dealing with customers and outsiders, remember that you represent the company, ostensibly with full responsibility and authority.

RELATING MAINLY TO MANAGERS:

1. Every manager must know what goes on in his or her domain.

2. Do not try to do it all yourself.

3. Put first things first in applying yourself to your job.

4. Cultivate the habit of “boiling matters down” to their simplest terms,

5. Do not get excited in emergencies.. keep your feet on the ground.

6. Meetings should neither be too large nor too small.

7. Cultivate the habit of making brisk, clean-cut decisions.

8. Do not overlook the value of suitable “preparation” before announcing a major decision or policy.

MAJOR PROJECTS

1. Learn projects management skills and techniques, and then apply them to the activities that you manage.

2. Beware the lure of “playing it safe”.

3. Constantly review projects to make certain that actual benefits are in line with costs in money, time, and human resources.

4. Make it a rule to require, and submit, regular periodic progress reports, as well as final reports on completed projects.

5. Make sure that all activities and all individuals are supervised: by someone competent in the subject matter involved.

WHAT ALL MANAGERS OWE THEIR EMPLOYEES?

1. Never misrepresent a subordinate’s performance during performance appraisals.

2. Make it unquestionably clear what is expected of employees.

3. Promote the personal and professional interests of your employees on all occasions.

4. Do not short-circuit or override your subordinates if you can possibly avoid it

5. You owe it to your staff to keep them properly informed.

6. Do not criticize a subordinate in front of others, especially his or her own subordinates.

7. Show an interest in what your staff is doing.

8. Never miss a chance to commend or reward subordinates for a job well done.

9. Always accept full responsibility for your group and the Individuals in it.

10. Do all you can to see that your subordinates get all of the salary to which they are entitled.

11. Do all you can to protect the personal interests of your staff and their families.

PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL CONSIDERATIONS:

1. One of the most valuable personal traits is the ability to get along with all kinds of people.

2. Do not be too affable.

3. Regard your personal integrity as one of your most important assets.

4. Never underestimate the extent of your professional responsibility and personal liability.

5. Let ethical behavior govern your actions and those of your company.

REGARDING BEHAVIOR IN THE WORKPLACE:

1. Be aware of the effect that your personal appearance has on others and, in turn, on you. 2. Refrain from using profanity in the workplace.

2. Take it upon yourself to learn what constitutes harassment and discrimination… racial, ethnic, sexual, religious.. and tolerate it not at all in yourself, your colleagues, your subordinates, or your company.

3. Beware of what you commit to writing and of who will read it.

4. Beware of using your employer’s resources for personal purposes. It may be considered suspicious at best and larcenous at worst.

REGARDING CAREER AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT:

1. Maintain your employability as well as that of your staff.

2. Analyze yourself and your staff.

The foregoing “laws” represent only one element in the general formula for a successful career. Take natural interest in these principles and practice for improving professional effectiveness.